‘Another question’: Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses a journalist’s question about Lionel Messi after Portugal’s historic win

Cristiano Ronaldo interrupts a reporter’s question about Lionel Messi after making World Cup history / Image: X Cristiano Ronaldo was happy to talk about records, criticism and Portugal’s strong response against Uzbekistan. He was far less interested when the conversation turned to Lionel Messi.The Portugal captain turned in one of the most impressive performances of the World Cup so far on Tuesday night, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan that changed Portugal’s position in Group K and added several more milestones to his remarkable career.After a difficult opening game against DR Congo, where Portugal drew 1-1 and Ronaldo faced criticism for not converting key chances, the 41-year-old responded with a record performance in Houston.His first goal came after just six minutes when he headed João Cancelo’s low cross past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, becoming the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup tournaments.His second, scored shortly before half-time after a perfectly timed pounce on Bruno Fernandes’ through ball, took him to 10 World Cup goals for Portugal and allowed him to surpass Eusébio’s long-standing national record of nine, which had stood since 1966.After the game, Ronaldo seemed relieved and relieved at the same time.After spotting a TV camera, he shouted “I’m back”, a message that appeared to be directed at those who questioned both his form and Portugal’s prospects after the opening game.Ronaldo then admitted that the previous week had not been easy.“It was a tough, dark week. I felt like I was already retired from football. But I stuck it out, as I always do, because I believe in work more than anything else.”Asked about the “I’m back” comment, Ronaldo added: “Yes, so people don’t forget.”Speaking about his performance, the veteran said: “They said I should leave… but I’m here.“The noise from outside is always like that, but we can’t control it. We go on and we are united.”The veteran striker suggested the scrutiny extended beyond his performance against DR Congo, with reports of alleged tension in the Portuguese camp circulating.“I knew that my teammates would also help me. It was difficult, I have to admit, but we are back. I am very happy.”Ronaldo was also asked to become the first footballer to score in six World Cups, a record that adds to a list of achievements that already includes becoming international football’s all-time leading scorer.“Records are always nice to break, but my goal is to help the national team achieve their goals. The most important thing was the teamwork and the confidence we had.”At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is now the second-oldest goalscorer in World Cup history behind Roger Milla, as well as the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. His latest appearance also marked his sixth World Cup tournament where he has now scored in each edition, a Guinness World Record for being the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cups.However, the mood changed when one reporter tried to ask about Messi.During interviews in the mixed zones, the Spanish-speaking journalist began to question Messi’s latest exploits at the World Cup and appeared ready to refer to both the Argentina captain and Kylian Mbappé before Ronaldo abruptly ended the exchange.Rather than let the question continue, Ronaldo turned away, pointed at another journalist and invited them to ask their question instead.The reporter never finished.Later, when another journalist asked if he could ask a question, Ronaldo offered a direct answer.“That depends on the question, otherwise I won’t answer you.”Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, entered the day as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals from two games and recently became the top scorer in men’s World Cup history. Yet Ronaldo showed little interest in discussing his arch-rival on a night that belonged to Portugal.The only time he briefly entertained the subject came when he was asked about the possibility of facing Argentina later in the tournament.“I don’t know what to answer. That’s a question that doesn’t make much sense. But, well, that would be great.”For now, Ronaldo is firmly focused on Portugal’s journey.Victory over Uzbekistan moved Roberto Martínez’s side to four points and put them in a strong position ahead of a crucial Group K final meeting with Colombia. If Portugal wins, they will secure top spot in the group and carry significant momentum into the knockout stages.After what Ronaldo described as a “dark week”, the conversation that most interested him seemed not to be about Messi, Mbappé or another rival. It was Portugal’s response and his own reminder that he remains capable of shaping football’s biggest tournament.